Hyderabad : Acting President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI),
Ahmed Idrees Chohan, has stated that before fully digitalizing the national trade system, the government must
ensure adequate awareness, training, and confidence-building among traders.
He said that a trading structure that has been operating for over 78 years in a conventional manner cannot be
changed overnight. “This transformation requires time, understanding, and the restoration of mutual trust
between the government and the business community,” he added. Mr. Chohan was addressing members of the
Hyderabad Electronic Market delegation during their visit to the Chamber.
Ahmed Idrees Chohan assured the delegation that the Chamber will take up traders’ legitimate concerns with
customs authorities and other relevant departments to protect the electronic market traders from unnecessary
troubles and financial losses. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to providing a conducive environment
for business growth and smooth commercial activities.
On this occasion, President of the Electronic Market, Mr. Sohail Qureshi, along with other representatives,
expressed deep concern over the harassment of traders by customs officials. He said that electronic items are
being intercepted in transit, and despite presenting valid invoices and required documents, officials often
demand additional papers or seize goods by declaring them smuggled items. “Such actions have created an
atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among traders, making it increasingly difficult to continue business
operations,” he lamented.
Mr. Qureshi further highlighted that locally manufactured electronic products from Punjab and other provinces
are being supplied to Hyderabad in large quantities, yet local traders are being asked to produce sales tax slips
for those goods as well. He pointed out that no clear government guidelines or policies exist to address this
issue, and demanded that a uniform national policy be introduced to protect traders from unnecessary
harassment and confusion.
Speaking on the occasion, Co-Convener of the Chamber’s FBR Subcommittee, Mr. Arif Memon, said that like
the rest of the world, Pakistan is rapidly moving towards a digitalized system of trade and taxation. He advised
traders to adopt transparent and lawful business practices and ensure that only goods with proper invoices and
legal documents are kept in their shops. He noted that government policies are becoming increasingly stringent
in this regard, making compliance essential.
Mr. Memon announced that the Chamber would soon hold a meeting with customs authorities to present all
concerns of the electronic market traders. He further informed that a joint liaison committee will be established
between the department and the Chamber to ensure timely identification and resolution of such issues.
In conclusion, Ahmed Idrees Chohan reaffirmed that the Hyderabad Chamber strongly opposes the sale of
smuggled goods and appeals to both traders and the government to take effective measures for its prevention.
He also urged the government to launch an awareness campaign before implementing digital systems across all
commercial sectors to build mutual understanding and confidence among the business community.
The delegation of the Hyderabad Electronic Market included Chairman of the Electronic Association,
Minhajuddin, as well as Muhammad Anis, Muhammad Basheer Safi, Abdul Rauf, Muhammad Saleem, Waseem
Iqbal, Owaisuddin, and other senior traders.
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